You Delivers Harold Hotelling Memorial Lecture

Northern Michigan University assistant professor Jongeun You was invited to serve as the 2024 Harold Hotelling Memorial Lecturer at Lawrence Technological University. Named for the accomplished economist, the lecture series marked its 14th anniversary on Oct. 17. It addresses timely and relevant topics in the guest speaker's area of research. Dr. You, who teaches in NMU's Political Science and Public Administration Department, presented "Policy Conflict in U.S. Energy Infrastructure Siting."

"The siting of energy infrastructure often gives rise to conflicts that can lead to project delays, cancellations or increased costs," he explained. "This lecture delved into the connections between various types of energy infrastructure, project location characteristics, and policy conflicts during the siting process. The lecture also emphasized the complexity of measuring policy conflicts, while insisting that it is a challenging yet attainable task."

Dr. You studies United States-based conflicts related to gas pipelines, electricity transmission lines, and solar and wind power projects. He presented his research on energy infrastructure siting policies and the political landscape surrounding the process to an audience consisting of students and faculty from Lawrence Tech and local high schools, and visitors from other area universities and local businesses.

NMU Academic Affairs recently announced 12 strategies and priorities to support the university's strategic plan for the 2024-2025 academic year. One is to "showcase and advance faculty and student research," such as that presented by Dr. You at Lawrence Tech.

"We are proud to recognize Jongeun You, Ph.D., as the 2024 Hotelling Lecturer for his contributions to public policy and sustainability research," said Lisa Eckert, dean of Graduate Studies and Research and the lead for the Academic Affairs strategy. "His work advances understanding of sustainable development and its impact on society; it also informs his teaching and mentoring of students at NMU, exemplifying the important synergy between faculty research and pedagogy."

Learn more about the 2024 Hotelling Lecture here.